Musical Hair

[Luzzly]

I just read that the musical Hair stopped playing in the West End in 1973, but I am pretty certain I took my brother to see it for his 18th birthday in 1975. Did the musical ever come back to the West End? I wasn't even living in London in 1973.

[mushroom25]

the show was forced into closure on 20th July 1973 by a problem with the Shaftesbury Theatre auditorium ceiling, caused allegedly by the owners neglecting the building (so it could be knocked down and redeveloped). the theatre reopened in December 1975 with "West Side Story". Hair was revived in the West End at the Old Vic in September 1993, with John Barrowman as Claude.

[calmck]

West Side Story was at Her Majesty’s Theatre

[calmck]

It also opened in 1958

[mushroom25]

//West Side Story was at Her Majesty’s Theatre //
//It also opened in 1958 //

indeed. but it closed in 1961. in 1975, Her Majesty's was showing "Jeeves".

Shaftesbury Theatre History:-
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/shaftesbury-theatre/history/

[Luzzly]

So basically this memory of mine from 45 years ago is totally false!! What the....?

[Canary42]

Hi Luzzly. Might it have been Oh Calcutta which I seem to recall got a similar reception/reputation. The dates gel with yours.

This musical premiered in London ... [etc etc]... then transferred to the Duchess Theatre on January 28, 1974, where it ran until 1980, for a total of 3,918 performances.

[Luzzly]

Hmmmm Canary 42 - you've certainly got me thinking now. I suppose it could have been. I've asked my brother, and still waiting for a reply from him (but he's probably forgotten). If so, you could have solved an ancient mystery. Thanks.